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Starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum) flowering in April. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of the bright white flowers of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of the bright white flowers of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A small population of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum) flowering in April. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A small population of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum) flowering in April. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of the early fruits of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Starry false Solomon's seal with mature berries (Maianthemum stellatum). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Starry False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum stellatum

This lush perennial emerges each spring with delicate bluish-green leaves on arching stems. In May and June, it flaunts dainty star shaped white flowers that alternate along the stem and mature into dark fruits that are eaten by wildlife in the fall. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant 
  • Size at maturity: 8-12" tall, spreads laterally by rhizomes
  • Light requirements: full shade, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist soil
  • Bloom time: April - August (May - June in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow 
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and support bees, other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects, birds and small mammals 
  • Native habitat/range: common in creek banks, mesic meadows, woods, swamps, from sea level up to 2300m, from south western Canada all the way to northwestern Mexico. Portland Plant List - yes.
  • Special features & uses: groundcover; pollinator plant; landscape uses include shady pollinator gardens and woodland gardens

What to Expect + Gardening with Starry False Solomon's Seal: This lovely woodland plant prefers most-to-full shade and moist, mature soils that are rich in organic matter. When put in the right place, it will spread nicely from rhizomes, eventually forming a lush colony that will be a sweet addition to your woodland garden.

NOTE: This plant will likely be dormant at October pick-up events. Depending on late with and early spring weather, it may still be dormant or just emerging at April pick-up events. 

Photo Credit 1: Starry False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellata)" by La.Catholique is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo Credits 2 - 6: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 7: "2020.07.02_09.16.05_IMG_7475" by AndreyZharkikh is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo Credit 8: "2014.08.04_17.29.27_DSCN1663" by AndreyZharkikh is licensed under CC BY 2.0